As some of you know, The Coulin is a very special piece for me, and was the one I played at my grandfathers graveside this past summer.
Unfortunately, I will be playing it again. After my little girl and I came home today, and found our house had been broken into, and several sentimental things taken, I received a phone call from a close friend.
Her brother, whom I’ve known for over six years, and was quite close to passed away last night, due to a fatal allergic reaction. The tragedy is sharpened by the fact he was only in his early twenties.
I will be trying to get time off work to attend the funeral, where I hope to play The Coulin for Chad at his graveside as well.
Perhaps some of you might care to join in this tune in your own way, and time. I know he would smile. May Heaven accept him with open arms…
Brian, I just read this after posting the to the other thread. I’m there with you in spirit at your friend’s farewell. I hope your playing brings some measure of peace to all who hear it. I’ll play The Coombe in his memory. It’s the one I played at my dad’s graveside service. Peace to all who knew this young man.
Tony
Oh Brian, I am sadden and so sorry hear of your news. I’m here and will join you in playing, but I don’t know the Coolin. But I played several airs at my mom’s graveside a few years ago in the rain. I will play those and join you and the others in the spirit of rememberance and healing.
Brian - There is so much tragedy it seems now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I will play in remembrance of your friend. Regards, Phil Osattin
As you may know, I look on many of you as a second family. I can’t begin to express my gratitude for your thoughts and prayers.
Life is a bitter companion at times, but it is made bearable by those close to us. I have no doubt Chad would be honored, and is probably smiling down on all of us from a place without pain, without fear, and filled with love.
I believe I will see him again one day, but until that day comes, I will mourn the loss of a dear friend.
Behold what manner of Love
The Father hath bestowed upon us
That we should be called the sons of God.
Therefore, the world knoweth us not
Because it knew Him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God,
And it doth not yet appear what we shall be,
But we know that when He shall appear
We shall be like Him
For we shall see him as He is.
And every man that hath this hope in him
Purifieth himself, even as He is pure.
===========================================
These lines have comforted me countless times, as I hope they do you now.
Best regards,
Neil Dickey
[ This Message was edited by: ndjr on 2001-10-13 16:12 ]
Thanks once more to all. Tomorrow is the service, which I hope to play. We will miss him, but also want to thank him for the many ways he touched all of us.
I wonder, will I have brought happiness to some when it’s my time? Hopefully so.
Well, the funeral is over now, and to be honest, I feel SO much better. It’s not so much the sense of closing, but more of being able to say goodbye. I didn’t have a chance to ask the family if they would mind if I played until the last minute, and they were all very eager to have a tune.
Afterwards, they greeted me with tears in there eyes, and a heartfelt thanks. Chad was one of the ones who encouraged me when I first started playing. I could almost feel him smiling down on all of us today.
I know he’s at peace, and I’m a little closer now myself. God rest him.
